Druggies

The negative association that people have with drugs is slowly reducing. Drugs no longer just mean misery and hopelessness. This change can be seen globally and is also stimulated by the legalization of cannabis across various states in the US.

Several sectors use this change of tide in their goods or services and in that way respond to the increasing demand for cannabis and the changing value assigned to the drug.

The Living sector uses the positive views on drugs by focusing on the creativity and feeling of freedom, which occur while using these drugs. They contribute to improve of the image of drugs, that used to be quite shabby. The Living sector is able to transform the selling points of drugs in a creative way, so that they become more attractive and welcoming. Several examples are listed in the links below. Another company also found an original way to handle this changing demand. They have placed a 3D “viewmaster wall” in the shop where psychedelic images are being displayed, which gives an extra dimension to the drug trips.

That drugs are not only used for recreational use, is being proved in the Food sector. In this sector too, the changing views on drugs are shown. A creative American mind has managed to combine cannabis and honey. His creation is to be eaten and is not to be smoked, unlike the cannabis we are used to. He developed a 100% natural “weed honey”.

Furthermore, the famous chocolate manufacturer Tony Chocolonely made a smart move regarding the increasing interest in drugs. On the first of April the brand released an advertisement in which they praised a new taste sensation, called the “Space Bar”.

There is not only an increased interest in marijuana, but in other drugs as well. An American company went to the market to try and sell their so called LSD drink. The drink itself does not contain the actual drug LSD, but the company wanted to have a drink with the same acronym. Ultimately, it has not been released because they were afraid of the growing demand on the actual drug LSD. The company would glorify drug use, when naming the drink this way.

Drug use is also quite popular in communication. According to language researchers Ben and Dingens, it is culturally determined which emoticons are used most. Strikingly, Portugal and Australia went ahead in terms of drug-related figures: the syringes, mushrooms and cigarettes were the most used in these countries.

Graphic designer Brian Pollet delved into twenty different types of drugs for his art project. He was curious about how far his creativity would reach under the influence of these different types of drugs. First he examined all the ins and outs of all the drugs, after which he started to try and push the limits of his creativity. This has led to various forms of expression. His goal wasn’t to be completely out of this world for a couple of days, but rather to emphasize the positive side of drugs. In addition to various types of hard drugs, the last drug he used was love. A drug which we are all familiar with.

If drugs are your cup of tea or not, you’ll undoubtedly get more and more in contact with it. The taboo is slowly but surely disappearing. Because there are fewer restrictions imposed, an increasing degree of freedom is felt which flourishes the quality of life.